Dr Ashutosh Kumar : Revolutionizing Cardiac Care With Compassion, Ethics, And Patient-Centric Approach
Dr Ashutosh Kumar
Founder & President
Dr Ashutosh Kumar, a distinguished cardiologist and electrophysiologist, is transforming this narrative through his initiative, the Heart Beat Foundation, a charitable trust for accessible and ethical healthcare.
Originating from a defense background, he faced challenges early in his career, managing to secure a spot in MBBS as the last candidate in an unreserved category. This early setback did not deter him and his tenacity paid off as he achieved an impressive All India rank of 84, which led him to pursue an MD in General Medicine at the esteemed Banaras Hindu University.
His academic prowess continued to shine, and he topped the all-India DM entrance examination in his first attempt, allowing him to specialize in cardiology at the Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), Kolkata.
Dr Kumar’s passion for academia blossomed as he took on the role of Assistant Professor at medical colleges in coastal Andhra Pradesh, where he was instrumental in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. Following a fellowship in electrophysiology, Dr Kumar now serves as the Clinical Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology at Care Group of Hospitals, overseeing three centers in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.
Engaging in an immersive interaction with CEO Insights magazine, Dr Ashutosh shares his strategies, leadership guidelines, future roadmap, and much more. Let's delve into it.
How do you help physicians adopt best practices to enhance the overall patient care experience?
At our center, we are equipped and trained to perform all rhythm management procedures (EP
study, RF ablation, Pacemaker, ICD, CRT). The Care Group of Hospitals has emerged as a pioneer in electrophysiology advance -ments, conducting regular workshops for doctors and nurses to ensure they remain at the forefront of medical innovations.
As an author, how are you contributing to education and outreach about heart health?
I have written two books which are available on Amazon, named 'ECG to Ablation: A Comprehensive Guide to Cardiac Electrophysiology' aimed at cardiologists and electrophysiologists, and 'Heart Harmony: Understanding and Living with Heart Diseases'.
The latter is targeted at the general public as part of a campaign for heart health awareness. Through these books, I have tried my best to demystify complex medical concepts and empower readers with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions about their heart health.
What is your leadership approach, and what principles guide you as a leader?
My leadership approach is rooted in a patient-first philosophy. As doctors, we wield great power and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our patients'lives.
I believe in the philosophy ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is the belief that the world is one family. This patient-centred approach is crucial, especially in the gray areas of medicine where guidelines may fall short. This is when it's important to combine medical expertise with empathy and patient well-being.
What is your vision for the future, and where do you aspire to be in the coming years?
I hope that the healthcare system in India will be affordable and accessible, especially for middle-class families. The Indian healthcare system has a stark divide in healthcare services. Government facilities, while low-cost, are often overcrowded and under resourced, while corporate hospitals offer high quality care at exorbitant prices.
We need a more self-sustaining healthcare model that can bridge this gap. The disparity in access to care creates a pressing need for innovative solutions that can provide quality services to all segments of the population.
As an author, how are you contributing to education and outreach about heart health?
I have written two books which are available on Amazon, named 'ECG to Ablation: A Comprehensive Guide to Cardiac Electrophysiology' aimed at cardiologists and electrophysiologists, and 'Heart Harmony: Understanding and Living with Heart Diseases'.
The latter is targeted at the general public as part of a campaign for heart health awareness. Through these books, I have tried my best to demystify complex medical concepts and empower readers with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions about their heart health.
Instead of inflated costs and unnecessary luxury, we need to make sure that patients receive quality care without financial strain
What is your leadership approach, and what principles guide you as a leader?
My leadership approach is rooted in a patient-first philosophy. As doctors, we wield great power and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our patients'lives.
I believe in the philosophy ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is the belief that the world is one family. This patient-centred approach is crucial, especially in the gray areas of medicine where guidelines may fall short. This is when it's important to combine medical expertise with empathy and patient well-being.
What is your vision for the future, and where do you aspire to be in the coming years?
I hope that the healthcare system in India will be affordable and accessible, especially for middle-class families. The Indian healthcare system has a stark divide in healthcare services. Government facilities, while low-cost, are often overcrowded and under resourced, while corporate hospitals offer high quality care at exorbitant prices.
We need a more self-sustaining healthcare model that can bridge this gap. The disparity in access to care creates a pressing need for innovative solutions that can provide quality services to all segments of the population.
Our Heart Beat Foundation aims to expand access to quality cardiovascular care for middle-class families, aspiring to create a network that upholds the highest standards of medical ethics and care. His vision is to establish facilities that not only provide topnotch treatment but also prioritize patient education and community outreach.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the healthcare field?
Although cardiology is one of the booming sectors in healthcare, it should not be approached as a profession for financial rewards and gain. The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body. We have opportunities to touch lives and make a difference. It is a privilege very few professions have in our country. Therefore, approach every patient with a deep sense of responsibility and compassion because this privilege not only allows us to heal but also brings immense joy to patients and their families.
Dr Ashutosh Kumar, Founder & President, Heart Beat Foundation
Dr Ashutosh Kumar is the Founder and President of Heart Beat Foundation, Hyderabad, and Clinical Director (Cardiac Electrophysiology) at Care Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad. He completed his fellowship from the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and undertook observer ships at prestigious institutions such as the German Heart Centre in Munich, Aurora Health Centre in Milwaukee, and Veteran General Hospital in Taiwan.
•Hobbies: Running, Cycling, Music
•Favorite Book: Wings of Fire by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, The Bhagavad-Gita, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Blue Ocean Strategy
•Favourite Travel Destination: Mount Abu, Almora and Pahalgam
•Awards and Recognitions:
• Dr Ashutosh Kumar was a school topper in his X class at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kanpur and made history at IMS-BHU by being the first individual to top the DM entrance examination in India on his first attempt.
• He is one of the few cardiac electro -physiologists from India to hold the prestigious certification from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners(IBHRE, USA) for both cardiac device (CCDS) and Electrophysiology
(CEPS-AC).
• Dr Ashutosh Kumar has also been felicitated as a Fellow from esteemed organizations including the American College of Cardiology (FACC), the European Society of Cardiology (FESC),the Heart Rhythm Society(FHRS), and the Society of Cardiology Angiography and Intervention(FSCAI).
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the healthcare field?
Although cardiology is one of the booming sectors in healthcare, it should not be approached as a profession for financial rewards and gain. The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body. We have opportunities to touch lives and make a difference. It is a privilege very few professions have in our country. Therefore, approach every patient with a deep sense of responsibility and compassion because this privilege not only allows us to heal but also brings immense joy to patients and their families.
Dr Ashutosh Kumar, Founder & President, Heart Beat Foundation
Dr Ashutosh Kumar is the Founder and President of Heart Beat Foundation, Hyderabad, and Clinical Director (Cardiac Electrophysiology) at Care Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad. He completed his fellowship from the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and undertook observer ships at prestigious institutions such as the German Heart Centre in Munich, Aurora Health Centre in Milwaukee, and Veteran General Hospital in Taiwan.
•Hobbies: Running, Cycling, Music
•Favorite Book: Wings of Fire by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, The Bhagavad-Gita, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Blue Ocean Strategy
•Favourite Travel Destination: Mount Abu, Almora and Pahalgam
•Awards and Recognitions:
• Dr Ashutosh Kumar was a school topper in his X class at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kanpur and made history at IMS-BHU by being the first individual to top the DM entrance examination in India on his first attempt.
• He is one of the few cardiac electro -physiologists from India to hold the prestigious certification from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners(IBHRE, USA) for both cardiac device (CCDS) and Electrophysiology
(CEPS-AC).
• Dr Ashutosh Kumar has also been felicitated as a Fellow from esteemed organizations including the American College of Cardiology (FACC), the European Society of Cardiology (FESC),the Heart Rhythm Society(FHRS), and the Society of Cardiology Angiography and Intervention(FSCAI).